Who said Dubai has to be expensive?
There’s plenty of things to do in the city that won’t break the bank, you just need to know where to find them.
Whether it’s seeing the sights, making the most of some great dining deals or getting active, being frugal can actually be pretty fun.
If you like reading this: 15 brilliant things to do in Dubai after sunset
If you’re searching for a day out on a budget, here are our top for things to do for under Dhs50 .
Attractions
Admire Burj Khalifa
It’s the tallest building in the world with a staggering 160 floors and looms at 828 metres high. The observation deck – At The Top – and restaurant, At.mosphere, are a little out of our Dhs50 budget for this one, but a pint of the ‘tap of the month’ at Tap House is only Dhs35, and the terrace comes with incredible views looking up at the Burj.
Cost: Dhs35.
Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, burjkhalifa.ae. The Tap House, open daily noon-1am. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, thetaphouse.ae (04 425 0009).
Bike around Dubai Marina
There are 7km of pathways to explore around Dubai Marina, and if you hire a Careem bike for Dhs20 a day, you can whizz around that pretty rapidly. It’s an ideal place to people watch and the views are super by day or night. A top way to get some exercise, and you’ll get a bit of a breeze as you cycle too – it’s a win win.
Cost: Dhs20.
Dubai Marina.
Explore Waterfront Market
If you’re into cooking, shopping or just the whiff of fresh fish, Waterfront Market is a top spot to take a mosey along to. We could spend hours admiring the various catches. Plus it’s free to browse around even if you’re not shopping (and there’s no charge for dinner inspiration, though you’ll get that for sure).
Cost: Free. Or market price for your catch.
Open daily 24/7, Al Khaleej Road, waterfrontmarket.ae (800 627 538).
See the city from The Dubai Frame
This cool vantage point at Zabeel Park allows visitors with a head for heights to see the city’s past, present and future in a one-hour tour, with unique views of ‘old’ and ‘new’ Dubai from a 150-metre-high sky glass bridge. Don’t forget your camera phone as you’ll want to capture the super views. And, our cover star comes in exactly on budget at Dhs50. Ta da.
Cost: Dhs50.
Open daily 9am-9pm, Zabeel Park, thedubaiframe.com (800900).
See The Dubai Fountain up close
The magnificent Dubai Fountain is more than 900ft in length – the equivalent of two football pitches – and shoots water into the sky to a range of different songs. It’s free to watch from The Dubai Mall, but for Dhs20 you can go on the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, which will give you a front row view of the stunning show. The Fountain has recently launched pedal boat trips too, which are just out of budget at Dhs55, but if you’re pushing the boat out, ahem, then this could be for you. Just imagine sailing along Burj Lake in a swan.
Cost: Dhs20.
Open daily 5.45pm-11.30pm, Downtown Dubai, burjkhalifa.ae.
Stroll around Palm Jumeirah
Lace up the trainers, pack your water bottle and take a stroll around the boardwalk to enjoy the sights. Be a tourist and take a snap of Atlantis while you’re there, too. Why not hop on the monorail and leave the car at home, too? It’s Dhs30 for a round-trip and you’ll get pretty views while you enjoy the ride.
Cost: Dhs30.
Palm Jumeirah.
Stand under the Al Wasl Plaza projection show at Expo City
You’ll have surely seen this incredible dome on Instagram, but if you haven’t witnessed it in person yet, this is your chance.
The huge steel structure has the largest 360-degree projection surface in the world, and runs a light show every day from sunset until midnight.
Take a stroll underneath swirling shapes and lights, take a few photos and enjoy the magic.
Open daily, show runs from 5pm-midnight. Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai, expocitydubai.com (04 555 2030).
Stroll along The Beach
The Walk and neighbouring al fresco district The Beach at Dubai’s JBR were designed to make the most of strolls. People watching is prime here, plus there are loads of things to eat from ice cream to pizzas.
Cost: Free.
The Beach, JBR, thebeach.ae (04 3173999).
Take a snap of Dubai Opera
Since opening in 2016 this stunning dhow-shaped building has been a hub for theatre, musicals, operas, ballet and comedians. Tickets fall out of budget, but it’s worth heading along to admire the building, and having a wander around Burj Park while you’re there.
Cost: Free.
Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, dubaiopera.com (04 440 8888).
Try Topgolf
The entertainment venue at Emirates Golf Club is home to 90 climate-controlled hitting bays in a huge three-storey site. General play starts at Dhs140 per hour, per bay and you can have up to six in a bay – meaning that’s around Dhs22 each. Your bay hire will include unlimited balls and the use of clubs, so you can have as many goes as you like to get it right, which is lucky if you have our skill level.
Cost: Dhs24 (based on six splitting a Dhs140 bay).
Open Mon-Fri 10am-2am, Sat-Sun 9am-2am. Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2. topgolfdubai.ae (04 371 9999).
Walk across the bridge to Bluewaters
This is a super stroll, and there’s a top observation spot mid-way around too for that perfect shot of JBR, the Palm and Ain Dubai. Keep on going until you reach the other side and take a pic under the shadow of the world’s largest ferris wheel, too.
Cost: Free.
Bluewaters Island, JBR.
Watch the skiers at Ski Dubai
Granted a lesson at Ski Dubai won’t fall into this category, and nor will a trip to the Alps. However, you can head to the mall and take a seat at the Cheesecake Factory, as its windows look right out onto the slopes.
Grab a slice of the Godiva chocolate cheesecake and cosy up in one of the window booths to get that wintery feeling for just over Dhs30.
Cost: Dhs32.50
Open Mon-Thurs 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha 1, thecheesecakefactoryme.com (04 419 0497).
Window shop at Dubai Mall
The world’s largest mall is housed in Dubai, and if you’re yet to visit, well, get ready to get lost, but also to marvel at the sheer size of everything. You’re on a budget, so avoid Dior, Chanel et al, but there’s no harm in window shopping, right? Plus while you’re there you can take in the sights of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, as one side of it is free to view. Stop off at one of the coffee shops while you’re there and make sure you bag a place to see the free Fountain show.
Cost: Free.
Open Mon-Fri 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am, Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com (800 382246255).
Art and culture
Explore art at XVA XVA Gallery
Specialising in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran and the Subcontinent, XVA has done more to champion both established and up-and-coming talent from the UAE and beyond than most galleries could even dream of. Exhibitions are on regular rotation so you’re bound to find something new. Head over at breakfast time and treat yourself to a sediqqi omelette with tomato, feta and zaatar for Dhs37, too.
Cost: Dhs37.
Open daily 7am-10pm, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, xvagallery.com (04 353 5383).
Grab a bargain at the Textile Souk
Across the Dubai Creek from its Gold and Spice sisters is the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, home to a myriad of traders selling wonderfully colourful fabrics along with all the accessories a fashion designer could want. There are plenty of trinkets too, so get ready to browse and find something cool to take home.
Cost: Free .
Open Mon-Sat 6am-2pm & 4pm-9pm,57 Ali Bin Abi Taleb St, Al Fahidi (050 768 8512).
Go on a road trip to Sharjah
Just down the road in the neighbouring Emirate there’s absolutely heaps to explore when it comes to culture. Sharjah Art Foundation has loads of exhibitions and programmes to discover, most of which are free. And if you want to try something totally different visit the Rain Room, where you can splash around, without getting wet. It’s just Dhs25 to visit, so you can treat a mate, too.
Cost: Dhs25.
Rain Room, open Sat-Thurs 9am-9pm, Fri 4pm-9pm, Sharjah, rainroom.sharjahart.org. (06 561 0095).
Hop on an abra across the Creek
You might think a boat ride is out of your budget, and you’d be right. Partying on a yacht is going to set you back a bit, but not this one. Hop aboard an abra across Dubai Creek and not only will you get to take in the sights, smells and sounds of Old Dubai, it’s pocket-friendly too. For just Dhs2 you can cross the Creek and explore both sides of the water, from the souks to the museums.
Cost: Dhs2.
Deira / Bur Dubai.
Learn something new at Jameel Arts Centre
This thoroughly funky building on the Jaddaf Waterfront is original in its programming and forward-thinking in its research. Fiercely independent, it supports artists from the MENA region like few other establishments. And you can too by popping along and immersing yourself in this cracking creative centre.
Cost: Free.
Open Mon 10am-8pm, Wed-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri noon-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm, Jaddaf Waterfront , jameelartscentre.org (04 873 9800).
Get thinking at the Foundry Art Space
The art space offers you an entire evening of activities that you don’t need to spend a penny on. From thought-provoking open exhibitions to talks and film screenings, there are even cool elevated pods to curl up in with a good book.
The displays change on a monthly rotation, so you can head along every few weeks if you want to see something different.
Open daily, 10am-10pm. Boulevard Crescent, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, foundry-downtowndubai.ae (04 367 3696).
Turn some pages at Mohammed bin Rashid Library
Sometimes it’s a treat to have a quieter Saturday evening, but you don’t have to be at home to do it. If you want to slow down the pace, why not spend a few hours browsing the books at Mohammed bin Rashid Library. Spread over seven floors, there’s over 1 million books waiting to be read, from atlases and religious manuscripts to poetry and literature.
Once you’re done exploring, sit down, flick through a few pages and watch the evening disappear as you get lost in a story.
While entry is free, you do have to book a timed entry slot before your visit.
Free. Mon-Thurs, 9am-9pm, Fri, 2pm-9pm, Sat, 9am-9pm, Sun, closed. Al Jaddaf, mbrl.ae (04 222 2025).
See some art at Alserkal Avenue
Arguably the hippest and artiest part of town, Alserkal Avenue in Dubai’s Al Quoz is abundant with art galleries, performance spaces and some rather wonderful culinary delights. This former industrial estate has swapped engine oil for oil on canvas and is a permanent hive of artistic activity. There are loads of free things to do in this area of Dubai, from gallery exhibitions to browsing through shops. Why not treat yourself to breakfast while you’re there at Nightjar? A stack of blueberry and ricotta pancakes will set you back Dhs48 and your stomach will thank you.
Cost: Dhs48.
Al Quoz, alserkalavenue.ae (04 333 3464). Nightjar, open daily 9am-10pm, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, nightjar.coffee (050 365 1120).
Sightsee at Souk Madinat Jumeirah
This modern souk is as tricky to find your way around as any old-school one, and it’s a top place to take tourists. It’s free to wander around and you’ll be treated to super views of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the sparkling Madinat Waterways. There are some perfect photo opps, plus in winter there are plenty of places to stop and grab a coffee or snack.
Cost: Free.
Open daily 10am-11pm, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (04 366 8888).
Soak in the smells at the Spice Souk
We love this Old Dubai souk. It smells fantastic, the colours are phenomenal, and there are few places in Dubai that will make you feel quite like you’re in the Middle East as much as this. You’ll find the full gamut of Arabic spices for sale here, along with oils, nuts and a tasty selection of sweet treats. It’s fun to wander, and you have Dhs50 to burn.
Cost: Free.
Al Ras, Deira.
Snap a pic of street art
Art doesn’t have to cost a fortune, you’re not investing in a masterpiece for your mantelpiece, and when the city is a huge canvas you’re in luck as there is vibrant art all over. From JBR to Karama, City Walk to Satwa, and La Mer to Jumeirah Beach Road, the city is awash with colourful creations from some truly great artists. Head to City Walk to see creations from famed artists like Bleck Le Rat.
Cost: Free.
Various locations across Dubai.
Step into the past at Al Fahidi historical Neighbourhood
Take a wander round the historic neighbourhood to get an idea of what the city was like when it first set up. Right next to the Creek it used to be the city’s commercial hub, and you’ll feel a world away from the skyscrapers.
Cost: Free.
Bur Dubai, .dubaiculture.gov.ae.
Stroll around Al Seef
This might be one of the newer ‘historical’ areas, but it has cracking views of the Creek and is just up the road from Al Fahidi. Some of it is super-modern, some of it is built to look old, but it’s an interesting place to have a stroll around, and there are loads of coffee shops for a pit stop, too.
Cost: Free.
Al Seef, Bur Dubai, alseef.ae.
Take a trip around Hatta Heritage Village
You’ll have heard about the kayaking, but Hatta is a top place to visit if you’re looking to escape the city. It’s just 130km from town, but when you’re breathing in that mountain air your 41st floor apartment or shiny office block will feel a world away. Amid all the lush scenery (those mountain views) and the Insta-worthy dam, there’s also Hatta Heritage Village where you can explore watchtowers and more.
Cost: Free.
Hatta (04 852 1374).
Take a tour around Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in town open to non-Muslims, and it’s well worth immersing yourself in the city’s culture and learning about Islam. You can join a tour with the Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding every day at 10am bar Friday, and you can get a full mosque visit, where a guide will explain the wudu – cleansing process before prayers – with a tour of the mosque and Arabic coffee afterwards. There’s a Q&A too.
Cost: Dhs40.
Open Sat-Thurs, tours at 10am & 2pm, Jumeirah, jumeirahmosque.ae (04 353 6666).
Wander around the Gold Souk
Whether you have visitors in town or simply fancy being a tourist yourself, a wander around the gold souk is a top way to spend an afternoon. Unless you have turbo-charged haggling skills you’re unlikely to get much for under Dhs50, but window shopping is all the range this year.
Cost: Free.
Deira.
Be bowled over by bargain arcade games
An old-school activity at an old-school price. That’s right, every Monday at the Dubai Bowling Centre arcade games and rides cost you only Dhs1 per turn. So if you’ve got one game you’re incredible at, that could be hours and hours of fun for the change weighing you down in your pocket. The promotion was introduced last summer at the Al Quoz venue and has continued into this year.
Cost: From Dhs1
Dhs1 per turn. Every Monday, 10am-1am Dubai Bowling Centre, Al Quoz.
Visit Etihad Museum
Learn about the history of the UAE at this museum in Jumeirah. Covering 25,000 sqm it’s located in the same spot as Union House, where the constitution was signed in 1971, so it’s steeped in history. Inside you can watch a documentary about the history of the UAE, see an interactive map and learn more about the founding fathers of the UAE.
Cost: Dhs25.
Open daily 10am-8pm, Jumeirah, etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae (800 33222).
Nature and outdoors
Camp in the desert
Should you struggle going really wild, a night camping at Al Qudra Lakes could be just the ticket. Clean and calm but chilly at night, make sure you build a camp fire before sundown and bring plenty of marshmallows to keep those energy levels up.
Cost: Free.
Open daily 24/7. Al Qudra.
Cycle Al Qudra Cycle Track
Drive out past Dubai’s Arabian Ranches and you’ll see a cycling path running alongside the road to your left. Al Qudra cycling track is 86km with a 50km loop, that will put your biking (and endurance) skills to the test. You can rent a bike, helmet and lights at Trek UAE, and there’s a Last Exit food truck park for a pit stop. Access to the bike track is free, and you’ll enjoy views of the desert dunes (watch out for gazelles). All levels are welcome, but expect to spend up to three hours completing the track, which is popular on weekends.
Cost: Free.
Al Qudra Road (no number).
Go bird watching at Ras Al Khor
For those of you who know twitching doesn’t only involve involuntary spasms, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to be. This avian haven is home to many a feathered friend, and while the flamboyant flamingos top the bill you can also spot herons, cormorants and ospreys from the free-to-use hides.
Cost: Free.
Ras Al Khor, rasalkhorwildlife.ae (04 606 6822).
Have a romantic stroll at The Love Lakes
Looking for the ultimate romantic spot? The “Love Lakes” – two intertwined heart-shaped lakes set up near Al Qudra Lakes – is one for you. It can even be seen on Google Maps with the shape of the two hearts, right next to The Last Lake of Al Qudra. The best way of getting there is heading along the D63 route, past Last Exit and by turning right on the road that also leads to Al Qudra Lakes. Take a picnic and enjoy a quiet stroll at this serene spot.
Cost: Free.
Al Qudra.
Go night swimming
Kite Beach beach is open after dark, and is completely free if you want to head down and take a dip. Floodlit by large lamps letting swimmers head out safely, you float underneath the moon and enjoy the warm waters for the evening.
If you want to make a night of it, why not head down before sunset bringing a picnic from home, then watch sun dip behind Burj Al Arab before having a star-lit swim.
Daily, from sunset-sunrise. Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1.
Have a picnic at Al Barsha Pond Park
For Dhs50 we reckon you can stump up a pretty good picnic. Bread, cheese, hummus, load your basket with as much as Dhs50 can afford you and head down to this chilled out park area to while away the afternoon.
Cost: Free.
Al Barsha (800 900).
Hike Hatta
New Year’s resolution to up your step count? Hatta has five routes of varying difficulty, all set among the Hajar Mountains that you can do for free. This is Dubai’s largest national park so go and explore. You might need that Dhs50 for blister pads, though.
Cost: Free.
Hatta, visithatta.com.
Jog along Kite Beach
As much as we adore flying a kite (up to the highest height), when we’re in the mood for something less leisurely then we can’t resist the stretch of running track that snakes back and forth past this beautiful beach. The run’s superb sights will send you soaring, too, on a trip to Dubai’s Kite Beach. The best news? You don’t have to pay for the pleasure. You can enjoy a pitstop at SALT and grab a slider for Dhs40 though, you earnt it after all that.
Cost: Dhs40.
SALT Burger, open 24/7, Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, (600 555551).
See sunset at Al Sufouh Beach
Dubai Al Sufouh Beach is one of those unmissable experiences that money simply can’t buy. And you don’t need it either. Head along to this peaceful beach to watch the sunset with your gang. Take a blanket and some snacks and you’ll be happy.
Cost: Free.
Open daily 24/7. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Al Sufouh.
Take a snap of the Expo Lake
While Expo 2020 Dubai has long-finished, you can still drive into the desert and see the incredible man-made lake that popped up was created by Dubai Municipality, forged using a lake, trees and sand to resemble the Expo 2020 logo.
Cost: Free.
Al Qudra
Take a desert drive
So this one will cost you petrol, but aside from that it’s free. You’ll need some decent driving skills and a 4×4, but with that in the bag it’s time to check out the dunes.
Cost: Free.
Various locations on the outskirts of Dubai.
Entertainment
Dig into a proper Middle Eastern shawarma
We recently revealed that you voted shawarma as the most iconic dish in Dubai. And the best news about the popular street snack? It’s pocket-friendly. Visit Allo Beirut for a top one, where a small chicken version will set you back just Dhs12. Which leaves you enough for a side of chip. Pass the garlic sauce.
Cost: Dhs12.
Various locations including Hessa Street, allobeirutstreetfood.com.
Discover Indian street food in Karama
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This bustling area of the city is a haven for authentic street eats. One of the top picks is O’Pao for its innovative sliders – don’t miss the O’Pao cheese burst version.
Cost: Dhs17.
Karama, opaodxb.com.
Have an all-you-can-eat breakfast
Hyperama’s South African diner offers a special deal every Saturday morning. Order whatever you want as many times as you want from the breakfast menu for just Dhs45 per person. From eggs and sausages to much more. Be careful not to over-order, as they will charge you for any food left behind.
Dhs45. Sat 8am-12.30pm. Al Quoz (058 108 8786).
Get cheap drinks at McGettigan’s
In the mood for a bit of Irish craic and a tipple or two? From Sunday to Friday head down to Jumeirah Lake Towers to enjoy the venue’s happy hour menu, with mixed drinks available for as little as Dhs35.
Cost: Dhs35
Dhs50. Tue 6pm-9pm. JLT mcgettigans.com (04 346 0470).
Have a pint of the black stuff at The Irish Village
A Dubai institution, going strong for more than two decades, The Irish Village and its enduring presence continues to charm hordes of expats every week. The Irish Village’s large garden and homely feel make it a wonderfully low-key favourite among residents. With live music, good food and a great vibe, don’t miss it.
Cost: Dhs44.
Open Sun-Thurs 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Garhoud, theirishvillage.com (04 282 4750).
Listen to amazing talent at Time Out Market Dubai
If you didn’t already know, Time Out Market Dubai is the place to go for the best bites and beats. And almost every day of the week a raft of incredible live acts take to the stage to serenade you as you gorge on the Market’s rockstar plates.
Looking for a dish under Dhs50? Try the solo cheeseburger from Pickl for only Dhs33 – you won’t be disappointed.
Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com (054 375 2421).
Sip a sundowner at Bussola
We love a sundowner. And we especially love a budget one. There’s a Dhs38 selection of hops, grapes, and mixed drinks every day from 4pm until 7pm at this super poolside bar. Bring on those holiday vibes.
Cost: Dhs38.
Offer available daily 4pm-7pm,The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh. destinationminaseyahi.com (04 511 7373).
Splash around at a free pool day at Barasti
Most beach clubs charge for the use of their facilities, but not our buddies at Barasti beach club in Dubai. They made their pool totally free and while the early bird catches the worm (or sunlounger in this case), if you want to catch some rays, listen to top tunes and cool off in the water then this is the place to be.
Cost: Free.
Open daily 9am-3am, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh (04 318 1313).
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